Communities, groups and organizations call on Alward Government to start listening to people

FREDERICTON – This Tuesday, November 5th at lunch hour, the Council of Canadians will be joined by citizens, community groups, Church organizations, unions and professional associations from throughout the Maritimes and other regions at the provincial legislature for the Unity and Solidarity Rally. Rally goers will be delivering a message to Premier Alward that all shale gas exploration and development must be halted and that the New Brunswick government must begin listening to all people about the future they want, based on his government’s duty to consult and in the spirit of true democracy.

“The Alward Government must reopen dialogue and have a genuine conversation around issues surrounding our natural resources”, says Terry Wishart, a member of the Fredericton Chapter of the Council of Canadians. “Part of this discussion has to be about the unsustainable projects they continue to pursue while many countries and jurisdictions have firmly stated their opposition to extreme resource development like shale gas and oil. Others are realizing significant increases in jobs by laying the groundwork for the resource development of wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, biogas and their forests”, Wishart points out.

One of David Alward's promises during the 2010 provincial election was citizen engagement, yet the Premier– who is also the Minister of Citizen Engagement and Aboriginal Affairs – has demonstrated his contempt for public consultation, consent, and aboriginal treaty rights. Premier Alward has refused to meet with the Wabanaki people in a traditional place of North American democracy, the Longhouse, which now rests on the banks of the Saint John River, across the street from the Provincial legislature, and was constructed for such a meeting.

As Leader of the Opposition on April 6th 2010, David Alward spoke frankly about the consequences of shale gas development on water contamination, saying, "Many problems have been reported because of [fracking] companies. Significant contamination of people's drinking water is taking place. We know that, in the United States, companies are not required to provide the information.” Government, health and academic studies document additional environmental hazards of the industry, like severe air contamination and impacts on human health, including accelerated rates of cancer and childhood asthma.

“Today Premier Alward claims he was elected with a mandate to develop shale gas. His minister of energy, Craig Leonard, says that shale gas opponents are ‘ridiculous’ or he resorts to calling us names. They discount the real facts and ignore citizens who are petitioning for public meetings and asking some very important questions”, states Council of Canadians member, Dr. Caroline Lubbe-D’Arcy. “Shale gas and hydraulic fracturing were never mentioned in their platform. In fact they avoided any mention of it in the platform’s ‘Energy Plan’, yet renewable energy and efficiency are included”, adds Lubbe-D’Arcy.

Critics charge that in the wake of Mr. Louis Lapierre’s fraud, the Alward government is also lying in order to justify moving ahead with their plans for a shale gas industry. They point out that the Alward government is following suit with the Harper Government by diluting or changing laws based on industry requirements, and are thwarting the efforts of citizen groups that work to shine a light on their failure to adequately consult with the public on shale gas.

“We hope David Alward will respect democracy and renew constructive dialogue with the Wabanaki and all peoples on the direction and future of New Brunswick” says Wishart.

Action Alerts

The EOS Board of Directors has written an open letter to the Government of New Brunswick urging more climate action and is seeking support from other environmental organizations and members of the public who would like to sign a pledge. Responding to a recent report from the International Panel on Climate Change and New Brunswick’s commitment to emission reductions, EOS Eco-Energy (EOS) is encouraged that the Government has adopted the document, “Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Economy: New Brunswick’s Climate Change Action Plan”. This plan was created by and for New Brunswickers. However, the EOS Board of Directors strongly recommends that a goal-oriented timeline accompany the plan to track progress of those targets set out for 2030. And, in order that the plan be fully implemented, it is necessary that the Government promptly support a fair price-on-carbon program.

EOS welcomes the public and other environmental groups to pledge support for requesting the Government of New Brunswick actively pursue the implementation of its plan, “Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Economy: New Brunswick’s Climate Change Action Plan” by (1) prioritizing and creating a timeline for each action and by publicly reporting CO2 emissions reductions annually, starting with a report in 2020; and (2) by adopting a fair carbon pollution-pricing plan before 2020. Those who sign on also pledge to support a fair carbon pricing plan for New Brunswick residents, organizations, industry, and businesses.

Do you know an individual or organization that has demonstrated excellence in land conservation in our province? Nominations for the 2018 Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Land Conservation are open until Monday, October 1, 2018.

Successful nominees will have a significant impact on land conservation in New Brunswick through leadership, direct action, and long-term involvement as well as other significant contributions. Eligible nominees may include any individuals or organizations involved in stewardship, volunteerism, donation of lands, or building effective partnerships and must meet at least one of the following criteria:

An individual or entity who has contributed in a sustained manner over a significant period of time;

An individual or entity who has contributed significantly in a relatively short amount of time;

A donor of funds or property;

A volunteer, steward and/or member of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick;

A corporate or community partner of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick;

An individual who contributed significantly in the past and should be recognized posthumously.

About

The New Brunswick Environmental Network (NBEN), established in 1991, is a communication network that links together over a 100 non-profit environmental organizations.

The role of the NBEN is to improve communication and co-operation among environmental groups and between these groups, government and other sectors. The NBEN provides educational opportunities for its member and associate groups and encourages the growth of the environmental movement in New Brunswick. The NBEN is not an advocacy group and does not take positions on any issue.